Bukayo Saka is hopeful he will be fit to face Bournemouth on Saturday after a hamstring issue saw him miss England’s Nations League match against Finland.
The winger is being assessed by the club’s medical team this week before a decision is made on his availability.
Arsenal are also waiting to learn the extent of Gabriel Martinelli’s injury, after the Brazil Football Federation (CBF) confirmed on Sunday the winger had undergone an MRI scan due to discomfort in his right calf. He has remained with the Brazil squad and is undergoing physiotherapy treatment ahead of Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier against Peru.
Saka withdrew from England’s squad ahead of their Nations League clash against Finland, returning to Arsenal for “further assessments”.
The 23-year-old was forced off during England’s Nations League defeat to Greece on Thursday, limping off the field at Wembley just moments after the away side took the lead. Saka was replaced by Noni Madueke in the 51st minute.
Interim head coach Lee Carsley said at full time Saka was replaced after “feeling something” in his leg.
Saka has featured 10 times in all competitions for Arsenal this season, providing three goals and seven assists.
Arsenal have contended with a number of injury concerns this season, with captain Martin Odegaard sidelined after sustaining an ankle injury during September’s international break.
Kai Havertz withdrew from Germany’s squad for October’s Nations League fixtures due to a knee problem and Thomas Partey missed Ghana’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Ben White, Jurrien Timber and Oleksandr Zinchenko all sat out the Premier League victory over Southampton before this month’s international break through injury.
Summer signing Mikel Merino has made his return to first-team action in recent weeks after sustaining a shoulder injury in his first training session with the club.
Arsenal’s Premier League fixture against Bournemouth starts a run of seven games in three weeks, which also includes the visit of Premier League leaders Liverpool, a trip to Inter Milan in the Champions League and an away fixture at Chelsea.
(Michael Regan – The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
